This study aims to apply the self-assembly process of particles to the fabrication of inverse opal structures, which improve the fabrication of catalysts and sensors. The process consists of two dip-coating steps. The first one is the production of sacrificial silica particles 1 or 2 µm in diameter. The second one is the fabrication of silver or gold nano-particles. After these processes, silica particles are dissolved to create the inverse opal structure. We demonstrate how changing the diameter of the sacrificial particle varies the size of the pores. Finally, we present how the patterned Ag and Au inverse opal structure can be created using the hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned substrate.

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Self-assembled particles have a wide surface area and thus can improve the sensitivity of biochemical sensors that utilize surface reaction. This paper discusses the self-assembly on a convex lens and condensing characteristic of the fluorescence light emitted from the particles. Silica particles of 1 μm in diameter were assembled on a convex lens and then an immunoassay (antigen-antibody reaction) was carried out on it. It was confirmed that the fluorescence emitted from the particles were condensed at the focal point just the same as in traditional optics. This result can be applied to the improvement of sensitivity and simplification of the system by eliminating fluorescence microscopy.

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